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State Of Our ‘State’; Pathetic & Dangerously Close To Collapse – Need For A ‘National Candidate’

“Trust only movement. Life happens at the level of events, not of words. Trust movement.”~ Alfred Adler

Karu Jayasuriya

The state of our State is fast approaching a collapse of dangerous proportions. It is not an overstatement, nor is my attempt to sensationalize a lackluster performance of a government and make it look like a potentially shattering event. Yet realization on the part of a greater majority, especially amongst Sinhalese Buddhists, that the present coalition government has failed miserably to deliver what it promised on before the last the Presidential and General Elections in 2015 should be a fact. The coalition government that was formed in the wake of the Parliamentary Elections in August, 2015, made up of the United National Party (UNP) and Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) headed by President Maithripala Sirisena, has come apart at its seams. The cozy relationship that was bonded after the Presidential Elections in January, 2015 between the two leaders, Ranil Wickremasinghe and Maithripala Sirisena has turned out to be a one waiting to burst asunder, if it has not already occurred.

The consequences of the breakdown of the Ranil-Maithripala Combo are increasingly looking to be beyond repair. No go-between can make even an attempt at such a patch-up, leave alone a genuine cause of a dialogue between the two. Both leaders are showing the worst aspects of their weaknesses in this tragic affiliation. Ranil is ostensibly oblivious to the genuine needs of the majority Sinhalese Buddhists while Maithripala is displaying a gross dearth of knowledge, intellectual capacity and fundamental understanding of the art of governance. But both are showing astonishing signs of growing propensities for hanging on to power at whatever cost. Sacrifice of basic governance at the altar of power politics is in obvious display.

From a narrow point of view of power politics and in the realm of 21st Century geopolitics, such skills may be looked on as tremendous aptitudes for an avaricious politician, yet in the context of overall governance of the country, the scope of responsibilities and the array of duties, such skills alone will not be sufficient. Empathy, the first quality of an above-average leader is sadly absent in both these leaders. Both Ranil and Maithripala were educated at Royal College, Ranil in Colombo while the other in Polonnaruwa. Resemblances end there. The social gulf between the two couldn’t be wider. Ranil’s political education was under J R Jayewardene, a more than keen student of history, an earnest Indophile and a master in power politics and the solitary architect of the current dreadful Presidential system of government; Maithripala’s maturity in politics was under a different set of leaders. Sirimavo Bandaranaike was an astute leader of men and women; but her political goals and purposes were limited and the scope of her vision hardly exceeded the narrow boundaries of parochial thoughts of unworkable socialism and family bandysm. She expected total subservience from her cohorts and Maithripala was one of them. His knowledge on foreign affairs and economics is not something that deserves to be written home about. The gulf was indeed unbridgeable.

Both these leaders came together, ostensibly to defeat a regime that was rotting from the core. Their collective purpose of good governance ended with a series of disastrous decisions taken by Sirisena, from the ill-advised swearing-in of Mahinda Rajapaksa as Prime Minister despite the obvious lack of votes for Mahinda in Parliament and unconstitutional dissolution of Parliament. Both these decisions helped Sirisena to be named as a political imbecile. His propensity to extract vengeance from the one fellow who helped him to ascend to the throne did not tell a story of a grateful man.

These two leaders have grossly failed the nation. This coalition of socio-political forces in the country is still remaining the same. Those forces do not like a restoration of the Rajapaksas. They were more against the system and process that the Rajapaksas nursed and nurtured than the Rajapaksas themselves. A process that was bleeding from inside, a process that was being exploited and made nauseatingly unsavory for a developing democratic polity claimed many an unsuspecting victim yet persisted on without any break. A decisive cessation of the prevailing norm was not only necessary, it was crucial to the wellbeing of a nation yearning for a pause in that unhindered incredulous process.

Who can replace these two and yet appear to be not belonging to either of the class and segments of the culture they willfully and fondly created? In this context, there are two types of candidates, not necessarily Presidential ones alone, just candidates who dare to challenge the prevailing norm, one who has actually been spared by the nihilistic and obscene features of the processes that was fathered and nurtured by the previous leaders of our land.

Yes, there are two types:

1. Movement-Candidate

2. Coalition-Builder

Movement-Candidate

One of many definitions of a ‘movement’, as per Cambridge dictionary is: ‘a group of people with a particular set of aims’. Movement-Candidates are the ones who lend leadership to a socio-political movement; such candidates are few and far between in history. Post-Independent Sri Lanka can boast about only two such leaders. One is Rohana Wijeweera and the other perhaps, Velupullai Prabhakaran, whether one likes it or not. One might argue that SWRD Bandaranaike too belonged in that category. Nevertheless, the mere fact that it was the movement that lent Bandaranaike leadership rather than the other way about is true. Added to that is the fact that Bandaranaike was brutally assassinated by the very movement that he allegedly gave leadership to, does not auger well for a statement (or a misstatement) that Bandaranaike was a movement-leader.

Both Wijeweera and Prabhakaran gave leadership to an extreme element in their communities respectively. While Wijeweera was held in very esteem by his followers of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), in the ‘movement’ that he was considered the undisputed leader, while he was still among the living, Prabhakaran was held in an exalted position not only by the members and fighters of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Elam (LTTE), he enjoyed supreme status among most Northern Tamils. Wijeweera and Prabhakaran had one single trait that all such ‘Movement-leaders’ need, ‘Charisma’.

Taking the current political situation in Sri Lanka into context, there is ample room for such a movement-candidate to emerge, for there is evidence that fundamental elements, if taken in full and properly combined, of a movement do prevail. The dirty and avaricious politicians have taken the country down a terrible path of cultural destruction; a movement for a clean and efficient governing system may be dormant but existent.

Coalition-builder

‘Coalition-builder’ is one who has the poise, foresight, stamina and patience to work with a combination of social forces towards a set number of aims and goals. Although Maithripala Sirisena was a product of such combined forces, he certainly was not the creator or builder of those forces; by no stretch of imagination can one call him a ‘coalition-builder’ as such. He didn’t build that coalition; if there was one single personality who could be accredited for such leadership in 2015, it was none other than Venerable Maduluwawe Sobitha Thero. That coalition is without a leader today.

The most indispensible quality of a coalition-builder is the common identity of the one leader with all the elements of the coalition. Each and every element as separate components as well as a whole, must trust the coalition-builder. In today’s political context, Tamils, Muslims, Sinhalese Buddhists as well as Sinhalese Christians/Catholics and Burgers, must trust this leader as a leader worthy of their individual and combined trust.

National Candidate

Such a coalition-builder will indeed become a ‘National Candidate’ as apart from a parochial candidate representing some narrower principles of a single political party. That ‘National Candidate’ could also be a ‘Movement-Candidate’ if he or she could adopt and adapt to the verified principles of a given ‘movement’ at the time. Who amongst us could fall into that exalted category of a ‘National-Candidate’? Is there such man or woman in our midst who can represent both categories of a movement-candidate and coalition-builder.

Karu Jayasuriya, the Speaker of the House of Parliament today indeed is the only personality who could come close to represent all the forces in the country today, not only as a coalition-builder but also as a movement-candidate. He is one person against whom there does not seem to be any allegation of corruption and dishonesty. His commitment to democracy and law and order was amply displayed during dark days of 2018 October- 52-day fiasco. The courage and bravery one demands of a movement-candidate and coalition-builder were all in public display, especially during last few months when the current administration’s reputation spiraled down from fair to abysmal.

The state of our ‘State’ is pathetic and dangerously akin to collapse. The Need for a ‘National Candidate’ is urgent and never been felt more exigent than now.

Latest comments

JD/June 19, 2019

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Vishvamithra is far behind. NATIONAL candidate project had a few meetings. I think the gathering they had in Mahanuwara was the most self explanatory. but some people say as their Sirikotha to village project in Kaluthara was a big failure UNFA (UNP now because rishad Bathiuddin) may not win anything. Karu Jayasuriya knows he is old and Frail. Yet, they (the national candidate project organizers) asked me to so I do it for the country.
I heard Mahinda Rajapakse is saying that even though MR asked Bathiuddin to come to his side, and if Zaharan blew up when he was with us. definitely, everybody has evidence to say it is two Rajapakses and Muslims who did. So, MR is happy, he was saved once more.

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Daham/June 19, 2019

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Sobhitha Thera’s preference for the 2015 January presidential elections was Karu Jayasuriya. However, Ranil Wickramasinghe opposed that idea and let Sirisena to become the candidate. Ranil thought he could make Sirisena his puppet president. At least now we should let Karu Jayasuriya, the only suitable gentleman in Sri Lanka, become the president and change the present day status of calling this country the “hell hole” of this region.

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soma/June 19, 2019

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May those crooked bastards who deceived 6.2 million people and poisted this cursed Ranil – Sirisena Yahapalana hook-up on innocent people of this country which eventually led this miserable situation rot in eternal hell.
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Soma

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K A Sumanasekera/June 19, 2019

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How unlucky we are in Lankawe.
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It was tragedy that Rajapaksas didn’t listen to Kurcher and Milliband even after they sweated all the way to Carlton House in Medumulana.
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If only Rajapakass listed to those two eminent Politicians with all those characteristics which Visha has mentioned.
And released Mr Pirahaparan in to their good care and to take him to Norway,
Wewe wouldn”t have been in this pathetic and hopeless situation today..
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The same people who put this miserable Ranil Sira Sobitha Yahapalanaya could have called upon Mr Pirahaparan to rescue this 2500 year old Nation and Civilizaion from the imminent disintegration.
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Wijeweera I don’t think would have met the Criteria imposed by Suren Surendran, UNP London , Friday Forum, Human Rights Commission, Pakiosothy Outfit, US Embassy, UK HC and even Malwattau Asgiri Chapters..
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Did I mention Sampthar , Abraham and Sivajilingam…

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kolla/June 19, 2019

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All the frustrations, violence in this country is an expression of the hopelessness with its leadership culture. Banadranaykes, Jayawardenas, Senanayakes , Wijeweeras ,Prabakarans, Rajapakses and of course Ranil will leave only when they die or are completely paralysed with age.We will never have David Camerons or Thersa Mays here who will leave gracefully.

I can say that at least the Rajapakses for all their villainy, greed and limitations have created a following.

But what about Ranil ,the foremost disaster for the country and UNP ? He can only eat off the UNP which has been built up by others since independence.

There are several writers to this web who still defend Ranil and say nasty things about others.

What do they see in Ranil ? A good leader ? A good man ? A sound economic manager ? A man with a past record of nation building ? A man who has the ability to take the nation forward ? Do they even see a man in him ?

The leadership culture of this country is fostered by blind slaves who cheer the leader and slander the opponents come what may.

JD/June 19, 2019

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Soma/June 19, 2019

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Absolutely good article, Vishvamitra. Hopefully most of the Sri Lankans are on the same wave length. Late Sobitha Thero, had he lived would have been very happy with the choice to field Karu Jayasuriya for Presidency.
The current President and the PM are both are in shambles and are utterly incompetent. They have made Sri Lanka, a clown in the international arena. People of Sri Lanka need wake from their mindset of apathy, otherwise the circus will continue.

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lion/June 19, 2019

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The writers argument is correct But Karu Jayasuriya has one mines point.That is the joining MR taking 17 MPs from UNP some time back in the pretext of strengthening the hand of MR.Some said he joined MR expecting the PM post and when it was not given he was back in the old party again.This is the only point his opponent will bang on against him.

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Nelum/June 19, 2019

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Joining the previous regime at that time under those circumstances is not a reason to tarnish the image of this great man who bears an impeccable image. All the non-SLFP and non-SLPP Buddhists and all the other Sri Lankans will definitely vote for him to win the presidency with a thumping majority.

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Saman/June 19, 2019

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This gentleman is also very soft.
We need tough man but nowhere to find.
People must expel all idiots 225 from Parliament.
Choose well educated and young members only.

Someone needs to completely clean that place.

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rbh/June 19, 2019

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Sir in another 50 years most will note living as you are very experience can you take the country can you name a future representative to rule the country To be a champion, I think you have to see the big picture. It’s not about winning and losing; it’s about every day hard work and about thriving on a challenge. and the challenges you have undergone to view your challenges future advantage.

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Naman/June 19, 2019

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Why aren’t the POTENTIAL Presidential Candidates putting forwards their names and what they stand for without any delay?
The voting Public are well and truly disgusted with most of the politicians.
None of them can be trusted.
Why don’t the civil leaders put forward a detailed plan of actions that has to be taken and then check with each potential Presidential candidates whether they will carry it out within one year.

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Jayasingha/June 19, 2019

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Karu is already in the grasp of USA and western countries. He is not suitable.

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Jayasingha/June 19, 2019

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Yes what we see in Ranil is a failed fake leader leading a bunch of rogues.

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rbh/June 19, 2019

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We do want blame game we need past experience as i said in another 25 years the present parliamentarian will be not living the more communal violence is good for foreign domination, When the future ruler fasting achieve from the foreigners nothing only hunger, best to restore Union and peace to a suffering people, Consider
as countrymen not as a ruler but as a servant.& create new benefits.( Mohideen Baigs Song Buthan saranan Gashami ) Inside the religion there are solutions to avoid divisions

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justice/June 19, 2019

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We are a nation without unblemished able leadership.
Maybe Karu has the potential.
Sajith who too had, has committed hara-kiri with his proposed “forty chaitiyas in each district” project.

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James speethy/June 20, 2019

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that is.true. latest independent pollingdoen suggest that karu is best choice for UNF. chamal is.beat choice for slpp. however premadasa is actually worse than ranil due to crash in minority votes and no significant improvement among Buddhist.

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Eagle Eye/June 19, 2019

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The then President Ferdinand Marcos of the Philippines was asked why he is not resigning when confronted with large scale countrywide demonstrations asking for his resignation. He simply told I will resign when Americans ask me to do so”.
We wonder if this is the case in Sri Lanka too?

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Kettikaran/June 20, 2019

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There is not a single person in our gang of rotters – most of them wholesale thieves – to be the next President. They are all tainted – in varying degrees. Karu, like Boris Johnson in England, is, arguably, the best of the worst. But, friends, the final nominees and the choice will be made by our yellow-robed Mullahs – whether you agree or not.
To hell with the democratic process or the 1-man 1-vote process. We are a theocratic State for some years now. The difference being we don’t call it that.

The decent Sri Lanka we knew was killed some years ago. It is and will be a jamboree of lunatics of the Silliysena variety of politikkas who will hold sway until the fate that befell SWRD and Premadasa is repeated. Kaliyugaya will continue but in a more strident form. It will take more than a million lime fruits to overcome this curse.

Kettikaran

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Burt/June 20, 2019

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Dint the “Common Appaya” screw the country enough? The Appaya’s promise was to abolish the Executive Presidency, Investigate major crimes against its own population, Investigate, persecute and recover the national wealth looted.

Has he done any of this?

So what is the “National Candidate” going to promise?

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Burt/June 20, 2019

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“President Maithripala Sirisena speaking at the funeral of Ven. Maduluwawe Sobitha Thera today pledged to abolish the Executive Presidency, a fervent wish of the late Thera.
Sirisena said that he would also introduce a new electoral system with a MP for every electorate while doing away with the preferential voting system in line with Sobitha Thera’s wishes.
Sirisena pledged that his government will commit to usher a just society which the late Thero had fought tirelessly throughout his life’s journey.”

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shankar/June 22, 2019

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james

from where did you get this poll?Show us how to look it up.Hope not inside vishwamitra’s skirt cos i don’t want to be charged for upskirting by police.

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Andare 2.0/June 20, 2019

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Upasaka karunasena jaysooriya is a doormat. He’s not qualified to hold the executive office at all. He might be good enough to serve as Ranil’s footman but not good enough for the top job. UNP’s common “puppet” candidate will be who ever the west and India think can carry out their agenda forward. So most likely it will be Ranil. If not it will be someone who’s loyal to Ranil.

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Piyadasa Yalagala/June 20, 2019

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Ruling classes of UNP, that TNA, MC, JVP and SLFP of MS+CBK are vast importance as the ultimate features of 21/4 Muslim Terror attack killed 400 and injured over 800 hundred innocent citizens of
Sri Lanka.
Hence President of MS a was key person whom has to be accountability of Muslim Terror attack which question up to discussion and will be settle in matter of days.!!!
The writer looking for incoming Presidential candidature of UNP by that naming of Karunarathna Jayasooriya to take place in most important final establishment that majority people today has to be follow?
The writer balame to past 52 days of that MR political misshapes which was politically that manipulated by UNP of MS CBK and RW that operation behind by CIA intervention into conspiracies.

Undeniably 21/4/19 that Muslim Terror attack which was entire policy of country that pave way by UNP whole leadership of RW-UNP, CBK and MS are responsibility and accountability of that.
Indeed for the result of 4 years and six months of the govern by mane of “good governance and rule of law” of that unholy alliance with TNA, JVP, MC and other Muslim terrorist Ministers inside operation as well .
In reality UNP set of policies makers brain child westerns. An outfits of that Muslim Terror attack their one annexation of Terrorism by forcible incorporation new terms of Global Terrorism of ISIS an advocated by Wickramasinghe of Ranil’s game of Neoliberalism of UNP.
Incoming crisis is imminent under UNP regime of political -power control by RW, MS and CBK. We are towards that Political and economic disaster is drawing irresistibly near. New from of Islam Terrorism way of life has shifted as same as like that 1983 black July,under UNP of JRJ.

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D.Nimal/June 20, 2019

1

0

Ruling classes of UNP, that TNA, MC, JVP and SLFP of MS+CBK are vast importance as the ultimate features of 21/4 Muslim Terror attack killed 400 and injured over 800 hundred innocent citizens of
Sri Lanka.
Hence, President of MS a was key person whom has to be accountability of Muslim Terror attack which question up to discussion and will be settle in matter of days.!!!
The writer looking for incoming Presidential candidature of UNP by that naming of Karunarathna Jayasooriya to take place in most important final establishment that majority people today has to be follow?
The writer balame to past 52 days of that MR political misshapes which was politically that manipulated by UNP of MS CBK and RW that operation behind by CIA intervention into conspiracies.
Undeniably 21/4/19 that Muslim Terror attack which was entire policy of country that pave way by UNP whole leadership of RW-UNP, CBK and MS are responsibility and accountability of that.
Indeed for the result of 4 years and six months of the govern by name of “good governance and rule of law” of that unholy alliance with TNA, JVP, MC and other Muslim terrorist Ministers inside operation as well .
In reality UNP set of policies makers brain child Westerns. An outfits of that Muslim Terror attack their one annexation of Terrorism by forcible incorporation that new terms of Global Terrorism of ISIS an advocated by Wickramasinghe of Ranil’s game of Neoliberalism of UNP.
Incoming crisis is imminent under UNP regime of political -power control by RW, MS and CBK.
We are running towards that Political and Economic disaster is drawing irresistibly near. New form of Islam Terrorism way of life has shifted as same as like that 1983 black July,under UNP of JRJ.
The matter of Presidential election is still NOT IMPORTANT to me. Our Economic dislocation is getting worse.

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gerad jabin/June 20, 2019

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We dont need you to be the leader! You are surrounded by thieves, inefficient clowns. WE DONT NEED YOU! GET THE HELL OUT! Dont even contest!

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nalmen/June 20, 2019

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first you proposed navin now you are proposing karu
who will be next?

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shankar/June 21, 2019

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can someone tell me if karu becomes the president and dies before his term ends which has a probability of 80% what will happen then?another presidential election?PM becomes the president?

ps.i did not read the article as it will be propaganda one as usual,but i saw karu’s photo.

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